Tauroursodeoxycholic acid combined with selenium accelerates bone regeneration in ovariectomized rats

More recently, increased studies have revealed that antioxidants can cure osteoporosis by inhibiting oxidative stress. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and Selenium (Se) have been confirmed to possess potent anti-oxidative effects and accelerate bone regeneration. In addition, very little is currently known about the effects of a combination with Se and TUDCA on bone defects in osteoporotic states. We, therefore, aimed to assess the protective effect of combination with Se and TUDCA on bone regeneration and investigate the effect and underlying mechanisms. When MC3T3-E1 was cultured in the presence of H₂H₂, Se, TUDCA and Se/TUDCA therapy could increase the matrix mineralization and promote expression of anti-oxidative stress markers in MC3T3-E1, while reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial ROS levels. Meanwhile, silent information regulator type 1 (SIRT1) was upregulated in response to Se, TUDCA and Se/TUDCA exposures in H₂H₂ treated-MC3T3-E1. In the OVX rat model, Se, TUDCA and Se/TUDCA showed a clear positive effect against impaired bone repair in osteoporosis. The results above demonstrate that Se/TUDCA exhibits superior efficacy in both cellular and animal experiments, as compared to Se and TUDCA. In conclusion, combination with Se and TUDCA stimulates bone regeneration and is a promising candidate for promoting bone repair in osteoporosis.

Graphical abstract

The release of TUDCA and Se during the degradation of Se/TUDCA can improve the local bone repair ability. At the same time, it can also inhibit cell ROS, and ultimately greatly promote local bone repair.